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Montana

Blackfeet Reservation Facts The Blackfeet Reservation consists of 1.5 million acres 32 miles east of Glacier National Park. The Blackfeet Reservation consists of 1.5 million acres 32 miles east of Glacier National Park. It is bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by the majestic Rocky Mountains It is bordered on the north by Canada and on the west by the majestic Rocky Mountains There are 14,000 tribal members in the geographic United States, 8,500 of whom live on the reservation There are 14,000 tribal members in the geographic United States, 8,500 of whom live on the reservation The Blackfeet National Bank is the first Indian-owned bank in the nation. The Blackfeet National Bank is the first Indian-owned bank in the nation.

Hosts Our official primary hosts are the Blackfeet Early Childhood Center and the Blackfeet Community College Our official primary hosts are the Blackfeet Early Childhood Center and the Blackfeet Community College Our key host representatives are Ethyl “Sissy” Grant, director of Headstart, and John Salois, President of the Blackfeet Community College. Our key host representatives are Ethyl “Sissy” Grant, director of Headstart, and John Salois, President of the Blackfeet Community College.

Blackfeet Community College Volunteers work closely with staff, who utilize volunteers for a variety of projects, including painting and fence repair, working in the garden and green house, landscaping and in the bookstore.

Headstart Headstart initially invited Global Volunteers to help build a “cultural park” designed for family recreation and to help preserve the Blackfeet heritage. We provide assistance with grounds keeping, facility maintenance and repair, and special projects as needed.

Blackfeet Care Center Volunteers are needed at this local nursing home to chat, play games, and assist residents with free-time activities in addition to occasional labor projects such as fence repair and gardening.

Eagle Shields Senior Citizens Center Volunteers prepare, serve and deliver meals to members of community, including homebound individuals.

Possible Volunteer Work Projects Elder Assistance Program: A basic volunteer response program was established through the Tribal Office with the first team of 2009 in response to the many requests from elders for assistance with basic yard work, simple home repairs and gardening. Landscaping and beautifying public spaces Working with the Browning Boys & Girls Club to complete some basic labor projects such as painting and light construction. Social mentoring of children and adults (some with special needs) Teaching computer/internet skills Business Development Event setup

Accommodations Volunteers will live and work on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Volunteers will live and work on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Living arrangements are “indoor camping” style in large classrooms at the Early Childhood Center. Living arrangements are “indoor camping” style in large classrooms at the Early Childhood Center. Volunteers sleep on air mattresses and bring their own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. Volunteers sleep on air mattresses and bring their own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom. Shower facilities are located in an adjoining pool building that also houses a sauna and fitness room. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom. Shower facilities are located in an adjoining pool building that also houses a sauna and fitness room.

Meals Volunteers prepare their own breakfasts and eat lunches at work sites. Volunteers prepare their own breakfasts and eat lunches at work sites. Evening meals are prepared on site by a local cook and enjoyed together as a team. Evening meals are prepared on site by a local cook and enjoyed together as a team. Evening cultural presentations often take place over dinner, or shortly afterwards. Evening cultural presentations often take place over dinner, or shortly afterwards.

Transportation Volunteers are met at the Great Falls airport. Most volunteers walk to work sites. There is a team vehicle on site for use during inclement weather. Private transportation companies are available for hire for free-time in the afternoons, evenings and weekends. Personal vehicles are useful.

General Itinerary Saturday: Arrival Sunday: Orientation Monday - Friday: Work projects Saturday:Departure

Free Time During free time in the evenings and on weekends, volunteers can relax at Headstart.

Free Time The Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning is nationally recognized for its comprehensive display of Blackfeet traditional clothing and crafts. Some teams have the opportunity to observe and even participate in traditional ceremonies. Nature lovers can hike or go berry picking (in season) in Glacier National Park, or, you might want to go fishing or swimming in one of the numerous crystal- clear lakes or streams or horseback riding on the reservation.

Free Time Pow-wows and rodeos are held throughout the summer in Browning and nearby communities.

Weather In the summer months, temperatures can reach 90 degrees F, yet temperatures decrease by as much as 15 to 20 degrees F as altitude increases in the mountains. Overnight lows can drop to near 20 degrees F, even during summer months. In summer, rainfall averages 2 to 3 inches a month. Browning experiences all four seasons; winter, spring, summer and autumn.

What’s Included Comfortable accommodations All meals – local cuisine Airport transfers and daily transportation Team leader Work project materials You pay for free time activities

Servant Leader Model Global Volunteers works only At the invitation of local organizations At the invitation of local organizations On projects determined by local decision On projects determined by local decision Under the direction of local leaders Under the direction of local leaders On community-based projects On community-based projects Hand-in-hand with local people Hand-in-hand with local people Community-driven Development

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Copyright 2009 All Text and Images Global Volunteers